By Jesusemen Oratokhai
Renowned Nigerian food critic, Opeyemi Famakin, has called out the growing trend of excessive picture-taking in high-end restaurants, arguing that it ruins the fine-dining experience and drives away serious customers.
In a viral video posted on his social media, Famakin dismissed the belief that frequent photo sessions boost restaurant sales, insisting instead that it disrupts the ambiance and discourages the real target audience.
“Fine-dining customers don’t want to sit in a space that feels like a fashion runway. It kills the classy experience and makes them not want to return,” he said.
While acknowledging that capturing memories isn’t inherently wrong, Famakin urged diners to observe proper etiquette.
“I always seek permission before filming and keep my pictures confined to my table. But when people start moving around, capturing others in their shots, that’s where the problem begins.”
His comments have sparked heated debates online, with some agreeing that excessive content creation is disruptive, while others argue that social media exposure actually benefits restaurants.